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Davis, Lewis lead undefeated Ball State to 10th win

Nov 12, 2008 - 7:49 AM OXFORD, Ohio (Ticker) -- Nate Davis and MiQuale Lewis powered undefeated Ball State to a 31-16 victory over Miami (Ohio) in a MAC game on Tuesday.

The 16th-ranked Cardinals (10-0, 6-0) posted a comfortable margin of victory, but the game was closer than the score appeared.

A 31-yard field goal by Nathan Parseghian brought the Red Hawks within 17-16 in the third quarter.

"Our backs were against the wall there for a little bit," linebacker Bryant Haines said. "We got tested, and we came through, so it was a big win."

Ball State, which is off to the best start in school history, responded with 1-yard touchdown runs by Lewis in each of the third and fourth quarters to open a safe margin. Lewis had 26 carries for 165 yards.

"Winning on the road and winning in the conference are not easy things to do," Ball State coach Brady Hoke said. "Miami came ready to play and gave a great effort."

Davis was 17-of-24 for 289 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He led marches of 80 and 88 yards in the third and fourth quarters with each culminating in a Lewis touchdown.

Combined, Davis and Lewis had 454 of Ball State's 484 yards of total offense.

The Cardinals face a major test next Wednesday when they face Central Michigan. The winner of that game will likely wear the MAC West crown.

"We have weathered 10 storms but we have a long way to go," said Hoke, who played on the school's other 10-win team in 1978. "We have stayed focused on what the goal is and the goal is to win a MAC Championship."

Daniel Raudabaugh was 25-of-42 for 254 yards for the Red Hawks (2-8, 1-5) as 10 different receivers caught passes. Parseghian added three field goals.